The BRP Ski-Doo Club Support Program has been providing grass roots support to snowmobile clubs across North America since 2009 and this year it really paid off for the Phelps, Wis. Snowmobile Club.

Last spring, the Phelps club was informed that in addition to receiving $10 per registered club member they were one of two lucky clubs chosen to receive a snowmobile BRP was giving away in the U.S. The club decided that they would use the snowmobile to generate more funds for their club activities and trail development, and sold it to a very excited Lela Laurent of Carey, Ill.

“Early in the 2010-2011 snowmobile season the Phelps Snowmobile Club became aware of Ski-Doo’s Club Support program to get our members into dealerships. Our club vigorously promoted the program at our club meetings and made individual calls to members to insure our members visited dealerships,” says Dick Schulz, president of the Phelps Snowmobile Club.

KLIM Technical Riding Gear and GORE-TEX have teamed up to support local snowmobiling by releasing $5,000 in cash grants available to local snowmobile clubs, riding and advocacy groups.

“Last year, the grant program was a huge success with five clubs from across the country taking $1,000 each into their 2010-2011 budgets,” KLIM says in a release. “KLIM and GORE-TEX look to continue the wonderful momentum for 2011-2012.”

Snowmobiles have come a long way in just a short amount of time. One glance at the recently released 2012 snowmobile lineups will leave most snowmobile enthusiasts with mouths agape as they try to think of a way to get one of those new sleds into their garages.

Just think how much better sleds are than they were just 10 years ago. Four-stroke technology has blossomed and two-stroke engines are running cleaner and quieter than ever before. Engines are smoother and more powerful while suspension systems are constantly evolving. However, that doesn’t mean that we can’t look fondly back at the sleds of yesteryear from time to time.

A recent perusing of YouTube revealed the diminutive Yamaha SnoScoot is still bringing smiles to the faces of some owners. It certainly won’t zip across the lake at 100 mph, but what young snowmobiler wouldn’t have a blast tooling around the snow on this little scoot?

The OFSC has been promoting Zero Alcohol for all riders since 2002 by challenging every snowmobiler to take personal responsibility for choosing to be 100 percent alcohol free prior to going snowmobiling or during any ride.

“The new Ontario legislation gives OFSC Zero Alcohol a significant boost by making it much more than a peer-pressure campaign,” says Eric Saunter, OFSC safety manager. “Now our Zero Alcohol position gains considerable legitimacy as part of a legalized behavior for those under 21, which helps formalize as a clear and acceptable choice for the entire snowmobiling community.”

Backcountry snowmobile guru Chris Burandt may have wrapped up his on-snow adventures until this coming fall, but he hasn’t been kickin’ back doing nothing. In fact, Burandt has been plenty busy.

He tells Snowmobile.com: “…I’ve got some pretty cool things to throw out there for you all. First, the website has been re-done and I would like to say a big thanks to Dreamers Studios for doing a fantastic job on the site. The site is much more user friendly and has every little tidbit of information you may need. New pictures and some sweet helmet cam shots from this year are going up as we speak so be sure to browse around and check out all the cool new features at www.burandtsbackcountryadventure.com.

He also tells us that he will be selling his fleet from last year to make room for the 2011s. You can check out the ‘Shop’ section on the site for pictures, prices and details on all of the 2010’s he’s selling.

But Burandt is most excited about some big news! He says: “New for our guests for the 2010 – 2011 season, Burandt’s Back Country Adventure is offering an exclusive riding area for you and you alone! Burandt’s Back Country Adventure has gained 100 percent private access to 10,000-plus acres of some of the gnarliest terrain the Colorado Rockies has to offer. I have driven by this riding area hundreds of times always thinking how insane it would be to put some fresh tracks in this zone. Well, we’ve pulled some strings and now have the ONLY access to this incredible area. Not that we have ever had a problem finding fresh snow in the past, but Burandt Back Country Adventure clients will literally be exploring this zone with me in an area that snowmobiles may have never been before.